Stitched-up women don't sleep

Meeting for the first time this week, the two Naracoorte residents have been busily readying for their joint exhibition at the Naracoorte Art Gallery which will feature pieces from their cross-stitch collections.

Both self-taught, Bell and Clark bonded instantly over their mutual hobby, admitting to enduring cross-stitch sessions longer than the sunshine hours because "it's very relaxing," said Ms Black.

Threading through her first piece of aida cloth 16-years-ago, Ms Bell now sources sets complete with patterns and colours which arrive on her doorstep.

In between making bags and enjoying life in her retirement home where she is "very happy," Ms Bell cross-stitches everyday and is "completely addicted," she said.

While Ms Bell chooses patterns at random to whatever takes her fancy, Ms Black's cross-stitch pieces have a very personal edge.

Following the tragic death of her 22-year-old grandson, Ms Black decided to cross-stitch from a photo she'd had stuck to her fridge of him when he was a young boy alongside his brother.

Using more than 50 colours, the piece looks incredibly complex, yet surprisingly the process is a lot more simple.

"If you can count and read, anyone can do it," she said.

Elaine Bell and Helen Black will display their cross-stitch pieces in an exhibition at the Naracoorte Art Gallery opening on Sunday 25 March at 2pm.

The women will both be present at the gallery throughout the week next to their displays if anyone wishes to speak to them.